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Showalter on Bundy's move to the minors, a Reimold update and more

DUNEDIN, Fla. - In his pregame session with reporters here, Orioles manager Buck Showalter talked about the timing of today's move sending top pitching prospect Dylan Bundy to minor league camp. Bundy was optioned to Double-A Bowie this morning.

"Innings," Showalter said. "Time for him to get stretched out a little bit more and they are not here for him. He's going to start the year in Bowie and we want to get that mindset and adjustment made as soon as possible. We've had two springs with Dylan and we're familiar with him and where he is. Obviously haven't quite had that much time with Gaus (Kevin Gausman) yet.

"We talked about a lot of things today. He's in a really good frame of mind. Likes where he is and he's had a good spring. He gets it and he's going to be a good one."

In other pregame notes:

* Showalter indicated that Gausman will make at least one more appearance for the Orioles.

* Nolan Reimold, who has been limited to DH duties due to a sore right shoulder, could return to play the outfield for Tuesday's game in Fort Myers.

* Showalter said he talked to Adam Jones this morning and Jones is ready to return to O's camp after the United States was eliminated from the World Baseball Classic. He is expected to return to O's camp tomorrow and he will probably not play in an Orioles game again until Wednesday.

* Infielder Danny Valencia has patella tendinitis, but a precautionary MRI came back clean.

"It is just mild inflammation, nothing that keeps him from playing," Showalter said.

* Showalter also said he would not characterize Rule 5 pick T.J. McFarland as a long shot to make the roster. McFarland has put together five scoreless innings over his past two outings.

"I wouldn't say it's a long shot," Showalter said. "If you like someone that much, there's a way. The outing he had yesterday, that plays. That plays. I looked back at the tape of it today."

* Former O's closer Gregg Olson, who has been in camp as an instructor, is leaving the club after today.

"He's been impressive. He's a sharp guy," Showalter said of the Orioles' all-time saves leader.